During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry is scrabbling for ways to make the travel experience safe again. Recently, Viking Cruises came up with onboard COVID-19 test labs. However, airlines are also doing their bit to stay in the black, while offering a safe experience for their customers.
The latest is American Airlines, which is now offering an at-home COVID-19 test option before flights to select Caribbean destinations. Depending on the success of the program, this could be expanded to other locations.
At-Home COVID-19 Tests For Comfort And Convenience
In October, American Airlines began at-home coronavirus testing with flights to Hawaii. The airline is now expanding its pre-flight COVID-19 test program to include select Caribbean destinations. This allows more travelers to have the convenience and comfort of easily conducting mandatory tests before boarding their flights.
American Airlines is working in partnership with LetsGetChecked, an at-home testing option. Travelers heading to Grenada, Belize and St. Lucia will have the chance of pre-testing starting November 16.
The way it works is that the passenger can take the PCR test at home, while observed virtually by a medical professional. Once received, the results are available, on average, within around 48 hours. Travelers will bear the cost of the test at $129 per passenger.
Robert Isom, President of American Airlines said in a recent statement, “Our initial preflight testing has performed remarkably well, including terrific customer feedback about the ease and availability of testing options.”
Other Destinations With At-Home Testing
American Airlines introduced the preflight testing program for passengers heading to Hawaii, Costa Rica, the Bahamas and Jamaica during October. The program worked well, so now the airline is expanding its service.
From Tuesday last week, the at-home testing program was made available for more Hawaii flights, departing from Los Angeles, Chicago and Phoenix. When it comes to Hawaii travelers, the tests must be completed within 72 hours of departure, in order to avoid the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Belize passengers, aged six and older, must complete the COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure. On arrival in the country, passengers must verify their test results or alternatively, take another test.When it comes to Grenada, travelers must complete the mandatory test within seven days prior to departure and complete a pre-travel form. Passengers aged five and older traveling to St. Lucia must be tested within seven days of department.
They Will Not Be Allowed Onboard Their Flights Without Presenting The Negative Results
They will not be allowed onboard their flights without presenting the negative results and going through pre-arrival registration. St. Lucia also requires a temperature test upon arrival at the airport.
As the program continues, December will see more at-home testing options becoming available for flights from Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Philadelphia.
The at-home COVID-19 test can be purchased via the American Airlines partnership online. Anyone who doesn’t wish to take the at-home test can alternatively visit a testing center in person. Read more about the service and the destinations currently available on the LetsGetChecked website.
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